The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), which is supporting the Centre on laws meant to abolish the collegium system of judges appointing judges, today termed as "unfortunate" the stand of the Association of Advocates-on-Record to oppose the legislation.
"This is unfortunate that the Supreme Court Advocates-On- Record Association (SCAORA) has filed the petition (against the NJAC Act). I had advised against it but they went ahead and filed it," senior advocate and SCBA President Dushayant Dave said.
He was responding to a question on alleged rift between SCBA and SCAORA over key legislations.
"There must be one association," he said making clear that it was his "personal opinion".
Dave told mediapersons that SCBA has decided to "defer emergent general body meeting indefinitely" as the Bar's concerns like sudden listing of cases and disposal of matters without proper hearing by some judges have been addressed by Chief Justice of India H L Dattu.
The SCBA President said that he acknowledges "the positive intervention" of the CJI in resolving serious issues faced by the Bar.
The bar body had decided to call the emergency meeting to pass various resolutions on issues such as sudden listing of matters without prior notice and alleged disrespect shown to Bar members.
SCBA, in the latest circular, said it has now been resolved that "all final hearing matters will be listed with at least four weeks' advance notice.
"All fresh matters will be listed in appropriate court with sufficient notice. Any urgent request for mentioning will be permitted liberally before the the Chief Justice of India."
It further said that the CJI has assured that the Registry officials "are and will be courteous to the members of the Bar" and in case of misconduct, "corrective steps will be taken forthwith".
Dave said that there has been lack of funds and facilities for lawyers and litigants in the apex court premises and deprecated certain practices like the expenses incurred in organising farewell parties for outgoing judges.
"The Bar spends around Rs 25 lakhs in organising farewell of judges and approximately Rs 6 lakh is spent for improving library," he said.
